Brooks Ariel 18 review

Who should buy the Brooks Ariel 18

As the feminine counterpart of the Brooks Beast 18, the Ariel 18 is built for women, specifically those who are overpronators or those who are looking for more stability. Grab this shoe if:

• You want a well-cushioned running shoe that is ideal for your severe overpronation
• You are looking for a long-distance shoe that is built for runners with flat feet

Updates to the Brooks Ariel 18

• The new air mesh upper is designed to wrap the foot firmly for a lesser risk of hot spots
• The Ariel 18 features the addition of no-sew overlays that produce comfortable midfoot support, a roomier toe box, a more structured saddle, and an external heel counter for enhanced stability
• The sole unit remains to be the tandem of Super DNA midsole and HPR Plus outsole for a combination of stability and support that produces a long-lasting performance

Efficient transitions with the HPR Green outsole

A two-part outsole makes up the bottom of the Ariel 18. In the forefoot is the HPR Green, an environment-friendly, dispersed silica that offers durability and skid-resistant traction in any running condition or surface. The qualities of the HPR Green allow an efficient toe-off.

A set of flex grooves, called the Flextra, is found in the forefoot. These indentations are customized in each model for tailored flexibility that is according to the runner’s gender and weight.

Meanwhile, the midfoot and rearfoot portions are comprised of HPR Plus, the classic outsole material from the brand. Compared to HPR Green, the HPR Plus is even more sturdy, and it has high abrasion resistance, thus preventing early wear and tear.

More cushioning and more stability

Brooks takes their standard DNA cushioning material and upgrades it to Super DNA, which is now present in the Ariel 18. The Super DNA adds 25% more cushioning compared to the earlier versions. It is similar to the BioMoGo DNA material in that it is also biodegradable.

Because the Ariel 18 is a motion-control shoe, the midsole includes the Extended Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar (PDRB), a unit of triple-density BioMoGo foam that aims to reduce excess pronation using customized cushioning and stability.

The Extended PDRB is aided by the MC Pod Configuration, a stabilizing midsole layout that balances the shoe for an efficient heel-to-toe transition. In addition to this, the Caterpillar Crash Pad enhances the effects of the MC Pod by flexing with the foot and providing customized cushioning.

In the midfoot lies the DRB Accel, a shank-like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) unit that equips the Ariel 18 with torsional rigidity. It improves support in the area while allowing the rest of the foot to move independently.

To complement the Flextra in the outsole, the midsole has Omega flex grooves, which augments the shoe’s litheness but not at the expense of cushioning.

Easy and natural movements with the Ariel 18

The all-new engineered mesh of the Ariel 18 intends to bring increased breathability and a more adaptable fit. It is joined together with a 3D-printed midfoot saddle that secures the foot for easy mobility.

A set of no-sew overlays assist the midfoot saddle in bringing a support structure to keep the foot in place.

The upper is stitched using Strobel lasting to a full-length Cushsole S-257, a support component that delivers cushioning and flexibility for an all-around comfortable in-shoe feel.